GO BIO_MARTERRA: Effect of the application of algal biostimulants to abiotic and biotic stresses in native varieties of orchard, potato and grapevine

The challenges associated with sustainable agricultural production and climate change mitigation require innovative solutions to ensure food supply for an ever-growing population. This is why the BIO_MARTERRA project focuses on demonstrating that biostimulants made from marine algae can improve sustainability and resilience in agriculture.

The main objective of the BIO_MARTERRA Operational Group is to demonstrate the beneficial effect of biostimulants made with seaweed from the Galician coast in situations of abiotic stress, such as high temperatures or drought, and biotic stress, such as attacks by pathogenic fungi. The aim of this project is to:

• To take advantage of by-products and valorize seaweeds using discards as raw material.
• Increase agronomic and economic performance due to different biostimulants that favor the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
• Contribute to generate positive environmental impact, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and the corresponding reduction in soil and water contamination, protecting biodiversity and human health.
• Promote synergy between experts allowing effective transfer of knowledge and results between industry, research centers and farmers.

The potential outcomes expected from this project are:

• To offer farmers a line of organic biostimulants made from seaweed extracts that promote crop development and strengthen plants against abiotic and biotic stresses at the present time and with a vision for the future.
• To make available to farmers the necessary information on the methods of application of biostimulants made from seaweed extracts in different orchard, potato and vineyard crops, emphasizing the benefits they provide.
• Reduce the by-products generated in the seaweed activity, valuing discards and species that are not currently traded when used for the production of extracts.
• Reduce the use of agricultural inputs of non-natural origin in different types of crops without affecting the final quality of the products.

This project is financed by grants for the implementation of innovative projects of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) operational groups, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAPP) 2023-2027. The Consellería del Medio Rural is the body of the Galician Administration responsible for proposing and executing the general guidelines in the rural area and encompasses competencies in agriculture, livestock, rural development and regional planning, rural structures, agri-food and forestry industries, forestry, prevention and defense against forest fires. Budget 179,634.83 €.

The project is formed by a multidisciplinary team composed of PORTOMUIÑOS SL, Fundación Empresa Universidad Gallega (FEUGA), the VIOR research group of the Misión Biolóxica de Galicia (MBG-CSIC), the Waste Management and Fertilization Unit of the Agronomy group of the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) and Avelino Santana García and, as cooperating entities, the Centro Investigacións Agrarias Mabegondo (CIAM-Agacal) and Horta da Lousa.

Download the informative brochure: ES